Why do spider mites appear on flowers? - briefly
Spider mites colonize flowers when plants experience stress such as elevated temperatures, low humidity, or nutrient deficiencies, creating optimal conditions for mite reproduction. Their feeding damages plant cells, producing webbing and discoloration that signal infestation.
Why do spider mites appear on flowers? - in detail
Spider mites are frequently found on the reproductive structures of ornamental and crop plants because these tissues provide a concentrated source of nutrients and a relatively protected micro‑environment. The young, tender cells of petals and stamens contain high levels of soluble sugars and amino acids, which support rapid mite development and egg production.
Several ecological and physiological factors promote their colonization of blossoms:
- Warm, dry weather – temperatures above 25 °C combined with low relative humidity accelerate mite metabolism and increase generation time.
- Plant stress – water deficit, nutrient imbalances, or chemical injury reduces the plant’s defensive compounds, making floral tissue more susceptible.
- High nitrogen fertilization – excess nitrogen promotes lush growth and elevates the sugar content of flower buds, attracting phytophagous mites.
- Limited natural enemies – absence of predatory insects such as Phytoseiidae or predatory thrips removes a key biological control, allowing populations to expand unchecked.
- Wind‑borne dispersal – adult females and nymphs can be carried by air currents to open flowers, especially during periods of low precipitation when leaf surfaces are dry.
The mite life cycle reinforces this preference. Adult females deposit eggs on the underside of petals or within the calyx, where humidity is sufficient to prevent desiccation yet low enough to avoid fungal competition. Upon hatching, the mobile larvae feed on cell contents, causing stippling and chlorosis that further weaken flower tissue and facilitate subsequent feeding stages.
In summary, the convergence of favorable climatic conditions, plant physiological status, nutrient enrichment, reduced predation pressure, and the mite’s reproductive strategy creates an environment where blossoms become optimal feeding and breeding sites.